Feature Summary

For many women the transition from pre- to post-menopause can be arduous. Changing hormone levels can lead to increased risk for both heart disease and osteoporosis,1,2 while inducing uncomfortable shorter term issues such as vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes, night sweats), insomnia, vaginal dryness, mood changes and reduction in libido. Although estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) may reduce some of the aforementioned concerns, the Women’s Health Initiative has shown that ERT use in post-menopausal women is linked to an increased risk of both breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.3 However, phytoestrogens provide a viable alternative to ERT. While they share the basic chemical framework of other steroid hormones, potencies are approximately 1000-fold weaker than that of 17-α estradiol.4 It is estimated that more than 300 plants contain compounds with estrogenic activity including those found in MenoVantage PE. These include the herbs black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) and Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) which have been shown clinically to reduce menopausal symptoms.5,6

Recommended Use:

2 capsules at breakfast and 2 capsules at bedtime per day or as directed by a health care practitioner. Use for a minimum of 3 months to see beneficial effect. Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 6 months.

Contraindications

Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have a family history of cancer, have a liver disorder or develop symptoms of liver trouble, if you are taking blood thinners/anticoagulants, hormone-containing medications such as progesterone preparations, oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, if you are taking any prescription medications or are breastfeeding.11,12 Discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner if you experience breast pain, discomfort and/or tenderness, increased menstrual bleeding time or if menstruation is delayed or absent. Do not use if you have diarrhea, haemorrhagic diseases, hypermenorrhea/profuse menstrual flow/heavy periods, allergy/hypersensitivity to members of the Apiaceae/Umbelliferae family (anise, caraway, carrot, celery, dill parsley), or if you are pregnant. Keep out of reach of children.

Drug Interactions

Do not use if you are using anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications (warfarin; Ticlid).13 As black cohosh may interact with CYP2E1 and CYP2D6 substrates, practitioners should be aware of potential drug interactions.14 The use of vitex is contraindicated in conjunction with bromocriptine, metaclopramide, dopamine agonists and antipsychotic drugs.15